In the early hours, Sumantra, the wise and trusted charioteer, gently roused King Daśaratha, urging him, “They wish to see you, O Rāghava; awaken.” Sumantra spoke with skillful praise, prompting the king from his slumber. Upon awakening, Daśaratha immediately instructed, “Bring Rāma here, as I have commanded.” Growing impatient, he questioned why his orders were delayed, reassuring Sumantra that he was not deeply asleep and insisting that Rāghava be brought to him at once. With renewed urgency, King Daśaratha pressed Sumantra again. Hearing the king’s command, Sumantra bowed his head in reverence and departed from the royal residence, believing he carried joyful news. He entered the main royal road, which was adorned with banners and flags fluttering in anticipation. The charioteer, filled with delight, moved swiftly through the city, observing the lively streets. Along the way, he overheard conversations everywhere—people spoke joyfully about Rāma, their hearts filled with happiness at the prospect of his consecration. The entire city buzzed with excitement, and Sumantra soon beheld the magnificent house of Rāma, shining like Mount Kailāsa in its splendor. Rāma’s residence gleamed like Indra’s palace, with grand doors closed and adorned by numerous balconies. Its gateways, arched with jewels and coral, stood out like autumn clouds and glowed like the caves of Mount Meru. The palace was lavishly decorated with garlands of precious gems, pearls, and jewels, and the air was perfumed with sandalwood and agaru, spreading delightful fragrances like a mountain peak during the rainy season. The calls of cranes and peacocks added to its beauty. Around the palace were exquisitely carved deer, crafted with devotion, captivating the minds and eyes of all who beheld them. The house radiated brilliance, resembling the moon and sun, like the mansion of Kubera or Indra, and was filled with various birds. Sumantra saw Rāma’s house, lofty as the peak of Mount Meru, crowded with people who had gathered and stood with joined palms, their faces shining with anticipation of Rāma’s consecration. The palace was majestic as a great cloud, splendid and lofty, filled with gems, and surrounded even by dwarfs. Riding his horse-drawn chariot, Sumantra made the palace bustle with activity, its grandeur shining forth. As he approached the king’s residence accompanied by a splendid escort, he delighted the hearts of all the city’s people. Upon reaching the magnificent and wealthy house, Sumantra’s hair stood on end with joy. The house, teeming with deer and peacocks, was as splendid as the abode of Indra’s queen. Entering chambers adorned like Kailāsa and resembling the dwellings of the gods, he passed by many devoted attendants of Rāma and reached the pure inner quarters. There he heard the joyful voices of people gathered for Rāma’s consecration, expressing auspicious wishes for the king’s son—their words filled with delight for the whole world. Sumantra beheld Rāma’s splendid palace, equal to Indra’s mansion, delightful and inhabited by deer and birds, towering like Mount Meru and radiant with its own brilliance. At the entrance, villagers crowded, bearing gifts and offering respectful salutations. Countless vehicles were parked, making the gateway thronged and bustling. Sumantra saw the mighty elephant, Shatruñjaya, fierce and difficult to restrain, splendid and fit for Rāma, with an imposing form like a cloud-covered mountain. He also saw the chief ministers, splendidly adorned, accompanied by horses, chariots, and elephants—all dear to Rāma. Passing through them on every side, Sumantra entered the prosperous inner palace. Unstoppable, he entered a mansion resembling a mountain peak, vast and filled with treasures, like a makara entering the ocean. He crossed the palace entrance, crowded with people, and reached a secluded chamber, well-versed in the ancient ways. There stood young men bearing swords and bows, adorned with polished earrings, vigilant and loyal to their master. Elderly men in saffron robes, holding staffs, and women’s overseers, attentive and composed, were stationed at the door. Seeing Sumantra approach, all those eager to please Rāma quickly rose from their seats in haste and reverence. With a humble heart, Sumantra’s son circled them and said, “Quickly tell Rāma that Sumanta waits at the door.” Eager to please their master, they promptly informed Rāma and his wife of Sumantra’s arrival. Upon hearing the report, Rāghava, desiring to please, summoned the charioteer into his father’s inner chamber. Sumantra saw Rāma, resembling Kubera, seated and adorned upon a golden couch with a canopy. The scorcher of foes was anointed with sandalwood paste, pure and fragrant, with a hue resembling boar’s blood and of supreme value. By his side stood Sita, holding a yak-tail fan, adorned and resplendent, like the moon attended by a beautiful star. The bard, skilled in reverence and humility, bowed to Rāma, who shone with his own radiance like the blazing sun, bestower of boons. Honored by the king, Sumantra, with joined palms, addressed the prince—whose face was radiant—as he reclined at ease: “O Rāma, son of Kausalya, your father wishes to see you. Go there without delay, along with Queen Kaikeyi.” Thus addressed, the lion among men, radiant and delighted, honored Sita and spoke gentle words to her, preparing to fulfill his father’s command.